🧬 DeSci UAE Launch Event with NYUAD
DeSci Abu Dhabi is a half-day summit exploring the future of decentralized science (DeSci) and translational biotech innovation.
It will feature leaders from global BioDAOs, local venture & pharma ecosystems, and emerging voices from student research groups.
Hosted at NYU Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Molecule and BIO, the event is a regional first, designed to bring together Web3 and biotech communities with Middle Eastern R&D and capital.
We’re inviting participation from other universities (TBD), and the broader UAE innovation community.
🧬 Agenda (Subject to Finalization)
1:00 PM — Opening Remarks
Welcome to DeSci UAE & framing the opportunity of decentralized bio-innovation in the region.
1:15 PM – 1:30 PM | Introduction to DeSci
Presented by Lukas Weidener, DAO/Web3 Expert at BIO Protocol, MD, AI Ethics (Dr.phil.)
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Keynote Panel: The DeSci Frontier
Three 10-minute talks by leading BioDAOs:
• VitaDAO (Longevity)
• Molecule (Protocol & IP-NFT Infrastructure)
• Quantum Biology DAO (Frontier Science)
2:00– 2:30 PM | VC & Pharma Deep Dive
Regional venture and commercial pharma leaders explain:
• Biotech venture models in the Gulf
• Partnerships with IP-tokenization protocols
• UAE’s strategy for life science innovation
2:30– 3:00 PM | BioDAO Roundtable
DAO operators discuss translation, governance, and funding models:
• Cerebrum DAO (Neuroscience)
• ValleyDAO (SynBio)
• HairDAO CryoDAO PsyDAO (Emerging Use Cases)
3:00 – 3:45 PM | Afternoon Break 🍽️
Food & open space to connect.
3:45 – 4:15 PM | Student Lightning Talks
6 students × 5 minutes each
Spotlight on rising talent in synthetic biology, health tech, & data science.
4:15 – 4:45 PM | Wildcard Talk [Optional Slot]
To be filled based on applications. Could include a bold vision from a local founder, international DeSci project, or emerging researcher.
4:45 – 5:30 PM | Community Mixer & Closing
Light snacks, music, and open networking with participants.
🌍 Who Should Attend?
Founders & Researchers in biotech, AI, neurotech, psychedelics
Students passionate about life sciences, longevity, and blockchain
Investors exploring IP tokenization & bio ventures
Policy makers and innovation stakeholders in the UAE
✨ RSVP Now
Spots are limited to 200 participants. Priority access for NYUAD community. Public opening to broader universities (Khalifa, MBZUAI, etc.) depending on capacity.